If you are finally ready to get your Northwest Territories drivers license you may be wondering where to start.

There are so many different things that you will have to learn and do to get your license, that it is common to be a bit overwhelmed. While nothing will make the process easy, you will have an easier time getting your license if you understand what is involved and what needs to happen. These tips will help you to get your license as quickly and as easily as possible. Getting a license in the Northwest Territories is possible if you know what to do.

How To Proceed

1

Go Online and Review the Driver’s Handbook

In the Northwest Territories it is really easy to get started with the licensing process. The entire NW Territories driver’s handbook is available online. This makes it very easy to learn the requirements and to get started. If you want a printed copy of the manual you can pick one up at the department of transportation for $11.55.

2

Make Sure that You Meet the Requirements

Once you have a copy of the handbook, start reading it. Pay special attention to the licensing requirements and make sure that you qualify. In Northwest Territories you must be at least 15 years old, pass a learners permit test and take a vision test. This will qualify you for a class 7 license which is a learning license that you can use to practice on the road. If you are licensed in another territory or province, in the United States or Germany, you may be able to trade your license for a Northwest Territories license without having to retest. All you will need to do is provide the needed documentation and pay the licensing fee.

3

Go to the Licensing Office and Apply for a License

Getting started with the licensing process is pretty simple. All you need to do is fill out an application form to start the process. You will also take your knowledge test and vision test at this time. When you go into the office to apply you will need to bring proof of age and identity. Commonly residents provide a passport and birth certificate. If you live too far from a licensing office to go in, check online for the schedule of visits to remote locations. You may be able to get your license when the test administrators come to your area.

4

Take Your Knowledge Test

Hopefully you have studied the online handbook very closely before you go in to take your knowledge test (click here to take our FREE NW Territories Practice Test). This test can be complicated if you haven’t studied. Basically it will cover various questions in relation to driving laws, safety and road signs. If you study the handbook you will have no problem passing your test. An examination for a class 5, 6 or 7 license is $34.65.

5

Start Practicing

Getting a lot of practice will be essential throughout the licensing process. The best way to learn new skills is to practice. With your learner’s license you can start driving. You will need to have another licensed driver with a class 5 license and 2 years of experience in the car and able to take control at all times. You can also enrol into any of the NW Territories driving schools during this time. This class 7 license will be held for at least a year before you can move onto other stages in the graduated licensing program. During this time you cannot drive after 11 p.m. and before 6 a.m. you also cannot have passengers besides your supervising driver. Never drink any alcohol before driving since you must have a 0% blood alcohol level to drive.

6

Avoid Getting Demerits

While you have class 7 license you need to avoid getting demerits. Demerits are awarded when you make driving mistakes and violate laws. Getting demerits will keep you from being able to move onto the next licensing stage and can even cause you to lose your license. Paying attention to the laws is essential to avoid getting demerits.

7

Take Your Road Test

Many drivers worry that they will be unable to pass their Northwest Territories road test. If you practice with the test in mind this shouldn’t be a problem. The test will basically consist of an on the road course. During the test you will demonstrate your ability to turn, drive with other vehicles safely, reverse, parallel park and stay in your lane. You will need to provide a vehicle to use during this test. Make sure that the vehicle you provide is licensed, has insurance and has a working horn, speedometer, brakes, wipers, seat belts, mirrors and driver and passenger doors. You will not be able to get gas during the test so fill up before you go in.

8

Get Your Probationary License

After a year you can take your road test. This test will allow you to receive a probationary license. You must be at least 16 years old and cannot have more than 6 demerits. You will also need to pay a licensing fee. The fee varies depending on length of time that you will have the license and starts at $37.60 for one year. A five year license costs $87.60.

9

Follow the Probationary License Rules

There are specific rules that you must follow during the probationary licensing time. These rules include that you only carry one passenger in the front seat of the car and that each passenger must have a seat belt. You also must avoid getting demerits, cannot drink before driving and cannot act as a supervisory driver for other learners. These requirements will be in place for at least a year.

10

Get Your Non-Probationary License (Class 5)

After a year you can qualify and receive a full license. The entire licensing process will take at least 2 years, so if you want to receive your license you had better start early. You must be at least 17 years old.

11

Avoid Getting Demerits

Getting your license is a big achievement, but if you want to keep it you will need to continue driving safely. Getting too many demerits will put your license in jeopardy so make sure that you continue to follow the rules of the road.